Smith & Wesson S&W Pre-Model 27 .357 Magnum 5″ DA/SA Revolver 1956-57 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1526
LSB#: 210419MB79
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: Pre-Model 27, The .357 Magnum
Serial Number: S158168
Year of Manufacture: 1956-1957
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”. The butt is marked with the serial number. The sideplate is marked with the S&W logo. The right side of the frame is marked with the four-line Marcas Registradas address. The right side of the barrel is marked “S.&W. 357 MAGNUM”. The crane, crane cut, and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks. The front face of the ejector, barrel in the ejector rod cut, rear of the cylinder, and rear of the yoke are marked with the serial number. The rear face of the cylinder is also marked “S”. The interior of the right grip panel is marked “NT / RH5828”.
Barrel Length: 5”, Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a ramped serrated blade set on a ramped base on the barrel rib. The rear sight is a S&W micrometer click square notch adjustable for windage and elevation. The rib, ramp, rear sight tang, and the topstrap are finely checkered to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut target stocks with S&W medallions at their tops, smooth diamonds around the grip screws, and a football cut. There are some compressions and a few light dings, most noticeable on the bottom faces and on the right side up at the top. There are a few little draglines. There is a tiny loss on the right panel at the very top along the rear edge. The grips are slightly uneven along the front. The checkering is strong. The grips rate in about Very Good-Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There is some finish loss on the sides of the barrel at the muzzle. There are some spots of finish loss and pinpricks on the sides of the rib and on the sides of the front sight ramp where the two meet. There is some thinning on the edges of the cylinder with a few scattered light scuffs and little marks through the finish. There is a turn line through the finish on the cylinder. There is some finish loss on the edges of the frame, most noticeable on the front. There are some little scuffs and hairline scratches, most noticeable on the sideplate. There are some little spots of oxidation, most noticeable on the sideplate and on the trigger guard. There is some finish loss on the frame above the backstrap and thinning on the backstrap. The screwheads show use with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup produces very little play on each chamber with the trigger depressed. The double-action trigger is smooth, the single action crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The .357 Magnum was the king of handgun cartridges for decades and Smith & Wesson made some of the best. This Pre-Model 27 comes to us from 1956-1957 with its finely checkered topstrap and rib, pinned barrel and recessed chambers. They literally do not make them like this anymore. This revolver has a 5″ barrel with adjustable sights, balancing precision with quick handling. It is in Very Good condition with about 95% of its original blue finish and a bright bore with sharp rifling. It has some scattered wear but will make a great shooter that will be a ton of fun at the range. Please see our photos and good luck!